Bittersweet goodbyes

The emotions were mixed. There was both joy and sadness as co-workers trouped in for Darlynn Jones retirement party. The guests ranged in rank from former State Representative Tommy Merritt to several judges, and her co-wrokers. Darlynn Jones did not know she had so many friends and co-workers who cared about her. The surprise retirement party had not leaked out, hence she was amazed. Former Gregg County Judge the honorable Mickey Smith hired Ms. Jones, and the current county Judge the honorable Bill Stoudt inherited her.
“I could remember when I first hired Darlynn. It seems like yesterday,” said Smith. He described Jones as having a sweet personality, as dedicated, loyal, and someone who watches your back. Smith is so impressed with Jones’s work that if he had to do it all over again, he would hire her. “She can be trusted,” he emphasized.
Judge Stoudt summed it up. “Darlynn is special – one of my best friends, honest, protective – she is the best.”
Jones was very flabbergasted and happy at the number of people who came to celebrate her retirement. “I have mixed emotions today. You have to understand this has been my life for 20 years,” she said. “But like everything it has to come to an end. I am glad it is a happy one.”
She was an administrative assistant to both county judges.

Retiree Darlynn Jones flanked by for former bosses County Judge Bill Stoudt and Judge Mickey Smith